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4 views

A2E

Uploaded by

hriteshthapalia
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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MODEL REPORT

A2E : Algae to Energy


~ A Sustainable Resource Management Solution
for Green Energy

Sub - Theme : Resource


Management

School Team : Hindustani Kendriya


Vidyalaya, Guwahati
Class XI
Members : Hritesh Thapalia
Latish Sharma

Nature of Work
Novel Solution for Renewable Energy Production Using Algae as a Biofuel Source

This model presents an innovative approach to generating renewable energy by cultivating


algae for biofuel. Algae offer a sustainable, high-yield solution that can absorb CO₂
emissions, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas reduction. By showcasing a biofuel
production process that includes cultivation, harvesting, and bio-oil extraction, this model
proposes a practical, eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, which is particularly suitable for
areas where water resources can support algae growth.

Rationale

With the escalating climate crisis, there is a pressing need to find sustainable energy sources.
Traditional fossil fuels contribute significantly to CO₂ emissions, intensifying global
warming. Algae biofuels stand out as a solution because algae grow quickly, absorb CO₂
during growth, and contain high lipid content, making them ideal for biofuel production.
Unlike crops used for biofuels, algae do not compete with food resources and can be
cultivated in water bodies unsuitable for other agricultural purposes. This project aims to
demonstrate the algae biofuel production process as a feasible, environmentally sustainable
energy alternative.

Scientific Principles/ Concepts

The algae biofuel production model incorporates several scientific principles and concepts:

1. Photosynthesis: Algae use sunlight to convert CO₂ and water into glucose, releasing
oxygen. This process allows algae to grow rapidly, absorbing CO₂ and reducing
overall greenhouse gases.
2. Lipid Accumulation: Certain algae species produce a high amount of lipids, which
can be extracted and processed into biofuel. Lipids are energy-dense and are essential
for creating biodiesel.
3. Carbon Sequestration: Algae naturally absorb CO₂ from their surroundings, making
them an effective tool for reducing carbon levels.
4. Renewable Biomass: Algae, being fast-growing, provide a continuously renewable
source of biomass, crucial for producing biofuels sustainably.

Materials Used

The materials used to develop the Algae Biofuel Production Model include:

 Cultivation Equipment:
o Transparent containers or tanks (for algae growth)
o LED lights (to simulate sunlight for photosynthesis)
o Air pumps (to oxygenate the water and support algae growth)
o Nutrient solution (enriched with nitrogen and phosphorus for algae
cultivation)
 Harvesting Equipment:
o Filtration system or fine mesh filters (to separate algae from water)
o Sedimentation tanks (to allow the algae to settle for easier collection)
 Extraction Equipment:
o Oil separator or extraction setup (for bio-oil demonstration)
o Basic solvent (such as vegetable oil for simulation purposes)

Procedure/ Description

Stage 1: Cultivation of Algae

1. Prepare Growth Tanks:


o Fill transparent containers with water and add a nutrient solution containing
nitrogen and phosphorus.
o Place LED lights near the tanks to provide a constant light source, simulating
sunlight.
o Set up air pumps to oxygenate the water, promoting a stable environment for
algae growth.
2. Inoculate with Algae Culture:
o Introduce a small amount of algae culture into each container. This culture
will multiply, forming the basis for biomass.
3. Monitor Growth Parameters:
o Maintain a steady temperature around 20-25°C and a neutral pH (7.0) to
optimize growth.
o Adjust lighting intervals if needed, ensuring algae receive at least 12 hours of
light per day.
o Record growth observations daily, noting changes in biomass density.
4. Safety Precautions:
o Wear gloves and safety goggles when handling nutrient solutions.
o Ensure containers are stable and will not tip over to avoid spills.

Stage 2: Harvesting Algae Biomass

5. Separation Using Filtration:


o Once algae growth reaches a dense state (visible as a greenish color in the
water), use a fine mesh filter to separate the algae biomass from the water.
o Collect the concentrated algae biomass and transfer it to a sedimentation tank
to settle further.
6. Water Removal:
o Allow the algae to settle for a few hours. Remove excess water from the top
layer to achieve a more concentrated algae mass.
7. Safety Precautions:
o Handle filtration equipment carefully to avoid contamination of the algae
sample.
o Dispose of excess water appropriately.

Stage 3: Extraction of Bio-Oil

8. Prepare for Oil Extraction:


o Use a basic oil extraction setup (oil separator) to simulate the extraction of
bio-oil from algae. In full-scale production, chemical solvents or mechanical
presses would be used for this process.
o Introduce the algae biomass into the separator.
9. Demonstrate Extraction:
o For this model, use vegetable oil as a stand-in for the bio-oil typically derived
from algae, as the actual oil extraction process requires specialized equipment.
Display the extracted oil in a separate container to demonstrate the end
product.
10. Safety Precautions:
o Operate any mechanical equipment carefully, following standard safety
protocols.
o Avoid direct contact with the extracted oil to prevent contamination.
11. To proof :

Combustion Test :- If appropriate and safe, ignite a tiny amount of the


extracted oil. Bio-oil generally burns with a steady flame. This combustion test
demonstrates that the extracted substance is energy-rich, a property of bio-oil.

Variables and Experimentation

 Independent Variable: Light exposure and nutrient concentration in the water.


 Controlled Variables: Temperature, pH levels, and duration of growth intervals.
 Dependent Variable: Growth rate and lipid content of the algae biomass.

Hypothesis

If algae are provided with optimal growth conditions (sufficient light, nutrients, and aeration),
then they will produce a high biomass yield that can be effectively converted into biofuel.

Data Analysis

Throughout the experiment, record observations on algae growth and biomass yield at regular
intervals. This data will help demonstrate the feasibility of algae as a biofuel source by
measuring growth efficiency and approximate oil yield in the final step.

Results
The Algae Biofuel Production Model showed efficient growth of algae biomass under
controlled conditions, with significant lipid accumulation that could be extracted as bio-oil.
The demonstration highlights algae’s potential as a renewable energy source.

Conclusion

The model successfully showcases algae's potential as an alternative fuel source, providing a
renewable, carbon-neutral solution for energy. With ongoing research and technological
improvements, algae biofuels may become commercially viable, reducing dependence on
fossil fuels and contributing to sustainable energy practices.

Implications

This model emphasizes the potential impact of algae biofuel production in addressing energy
needs sustainably. As technology advances, algae biofuels could provide communities with a
reliable energy source that also contributes to carbon reduction efforts, marking an essential
step towards global sustainability goals.

References

1.National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

2. Algae Biomass Organization

3. ScienceDirect

4. Energy.gov - Bioenergy Basics

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